According to new data from IHS iSuppli, Apple’s smartphone market share increased 14.9% during the first quarter of this year — more than any other phone maker. The Cupertino-based company had a 19.2% grip on the smartphone market and shipped 18.6 million units during the first quarter. Nokia, the global smartphone leader, shipped 24.2 million units during the quarter and maintained a 24.9% share of the smartphone market, down 14.5% sequentially. RIM outperformed the market and shipped 14.8 million smartphones, placing it in third place with a 15.2% share, up 4.2% sequentially. It was followed by Samsung (13% share, 12.6 million units shipped), and HTC (9.9% share, 9.6 million units shipped). “Apple’s smart phone market share in the first quarter was boosted by the introduction of its first iPhone model with [CDMA] as well as by the addition of Verizon Wireless as a carrier in the United States,” said Tina Teng, senior analyst, wireless communications, for IHS. “Not only did this allow Apple to expand its target market and boost shipments, it also placed additional pressure on rival smart phone brands—including Motorola, Samsung, LG and HTC—that focus on Verizon Wireless as a major customer.” Hit the jump for the full release. More →

Apple has surpassed Google as world’s most valuable brand, according to advertising firm WPP’s “BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands” study. Apple’s brand value has ballooned 859% since 2006, and increased 84% to $153.3 billion this year. Tech companies dominate the rankings: AT&T, China Mobile, IBM, and Microsoft all have spots in the top-10 most valuable brands list, and McDonald’s is the only non-tech brand in the top-5. Google had reigned supreme for the past four years before being displaced by Apple, and Amazon surpassed Walmart to become the No. 1 retailer. Hit the jump for the full report from WPP.